Fire Rated Building Construction Framing Members

ABSTRACT

Fire rated building construction framing members and related wall assemblies are disclosed that comprise a sheet metal framing member (all profiles) in combination with a new type of multi-layer fire safety/sound reduction tape. The multi-layer fire safety/sound reduction tape comprises a flexible thermal barrier layer attached to a flexible intumescent material layer. In combination, the thermal barrier layer comprises a thermoplastic material that is on a surface of the sheet metal framing member, whereas the thermal barrier layer is attached to the intumescent layer such that the thermal barrier layer is between the sheet metal framing member and the intumescent layer. The multi-layer fire safety/sound reduction tape slows and impedes the spread of fire and smoke (during a fire) and also reduces sound transmission between adjacent rooms in a building.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/675,332 filed on Aug. 11, 2017. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/601,747 filed on Mar. 31, 2017, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/602,687 filed on May 3, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/602,685 filed on May 3, 2017, with all three provisional applications being incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to building construction fire blocking systems and, more particularly, to fire blocking sealing systems and methods used to seal linear construction joints (for purposes of impeding the transmission of fire and smoke in the event of a building fire). The present invention is directed to various building construction framing members made of sheet metal (all profiles) in combination with a new type of multi-layer fire safety tape, as well as to related fire rated wall assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the building construction industry, a head-of-wall joint (also sometimes referred to as a top-of-wall joint) refers to the linear junction or interface existing between a top section of a wall assembly and the ceiling (where the ceiling may be a next-level flat concrete floor or a corrugated pan roof deck, for example). Similarly, an expansion joint refers to the linear junction existing between adjacent wall (or ceiling) sections (such as adjacent pieces of wallboard, for example). The proper sealing of linear junctions, including head-of-wall joints and expansion joints, during the building construction phase is critically important to prevent or reduce the spread of fire and smoke in the event of a building fire.

As appreciated by contractors in the building construction industry, there are two primary methods used for sealing linear junctions (e.g., head-of-wall joints and expansion joints) against the spread of fire and smoke; namely, (1) the application of a firestop intumescent sealant (in the form of either a caulk or spray) along and into the linear joint, or (2) the installation of specialty tracks and/or other suitable framing members that have a pre-applied intumescent tape appropriately placed on (i.e., in physical contact with) the track or other suitable framing member such that the intumescent tape seals the linear construction joint. These two known methods have both been tested and approved by Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. ((“UL”—an independent worldwide testing and regulatory compliance certification organization) as being compliant with certain specified fire and hose stream test standards presently in existence.

More specifically, UL has tested and certified various building construction “joint systems” in accordance with their testing standards as set forth in, for example, document “UL 2079 Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems, fifth edition (Aug. 26, 2015).” These UL fire tests described here are applicable to building construction joint systems (assemblies) of various materials and construction (intended for use at linear junctions between adjacent fire resistive structures). UL's joint system fire tests are intended to evaluate the length of time that a specified joint system will contain a fire during a predetermined test exposure. UL's joint system fire tests evaluate the joint system's resistance to heat and, in some instances, to a hose stream, while carrying an applied load (if the assembly is load bearing). UL's joint system fire tests may, in some instances, include an air leakage test to determine the rate of air leakage through joint systems resulting from a specified air pressure difference applied across the surface of the joint system.

For example, and under current UL's requirements, a joint system may be subjected to a controlled fire exposure that achieves specified temperatures throughout a specified period. Some joint systems are cycled through their intended range of movement prior to fire exposure (to demonstrate that the joint system's range of movement and the impact of the joint system during movement on the adjacent fire resistive structures). Joint systems are often required to be loaded to their designed live load capacity during the fire test. For tests involving wall-to-wall and head-of-wall joint systems, the fire test is typically followed by a hose stream test. UL's joint system fire tests and related requirements are intended to provide a relative measure of fire performance of comparable assemblies under specified fire exposure conditions.

In the building construction industry, metal framing assemblies are commonly used to construct commercial and residential buildings. Metal framing assemblies are generally constructed from a plurality of metal framing members including studs, joists, trusses, and other metal posts and beams formed from sheet metal (and frequently fabricated to have the same general cross-sectional dimensions as standard wood members used for similar purposes). Metal framing members are typically constructed by either brake-pressing or roll-forming (with both methods being referred to as “cold-formed” processes) 12 to 24 gauge galvanized sheet steel. Although many cross-sectional shapes are available, the primary shapes used in building construction are C-shaped studs and U-shaped tracks. For example, most wall assemblies are made from opposing cold-formed slotted U-shaped tracks fastened to the floor and ceiling, and a plurality of a cold-formed C-shaped studs laterally spaced apart and positioned between the opposing tracks. Head-of-wall linear joints associated with these types of joint systems are of especially importance in terms of sealing against the spread of fire and smoke.

Although some progress has been made in recent years, there is still a need in the art for new and improved fire blocking sealant systems and methods—including innovative building construction specialty products that better seal linear construction joints (for purposes of impeding the transmission of fire and smoke in the event of a building fire). The present invention fulfills these needs and provides for further related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In brief, the present invention is directed to various building construction framing members (all profiles) in combination with a new type of multi-layer fire safety tape that better and more economically seals linear construction joints. In one embodiment, the multi-layer fire safety tape is preferably composed of, in series, a flexible backing/release layer; a thermal barrier layer, a first adhesive interface layer between the backing/release layer and the thermal barrier layer, a flexible intumescent material layer; a second adhesive interface layer between the intumescent material layer and the thermal barrier layer, and a flexible outer protective layer. As disclosed herein, the multi-layer fire safety tapes of the present invention may take the form of a flexible and resilient multi-layered flat strip or may be in the form of a multi-layered roll (and thus may be unwound and applied to linear building construction joints in the field as needed or on tracks/framing members at the factory).

In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to a multi-layer fire safety tape comprising a flexible polymer foam (closed or open cell) layer adjoined to a flexible intumescent material layer. In still further embodiments, the multi-layer fire safety tape may comprise a flexible hydrated mineral material such as, for example, a vermiculite coated fiberglass tape adjoined to a flexible intumescent material layer.

In still other further embodiments, the present invention is directed to header tracks (generally U-shaped sheet metal header tracks, for example) and other framing members (control joint backers and L-shaped members, for example) having the inventive multi-layer fire safety tape applied thereto or thereon, as well as to fire rated wall assemblies that include one or more such framing members.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become more evident upon reference to the following detailed description and attached drawings. It is to be understood, however, that various changes, alterations, and substitutions may be made to the specific embodiments disclosed herein and still be within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are intended to be illustrative and symbolic representations of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention (and as such they are not necessarily drawn to scale). In addition, it is to be expressly understood that the relative dimensions and distances depicted in the drawings (and described in the “Detailed Description of the Invention” section) are exemplary and may be varied in numerous ways without departing from the scope of the invention (as defined by the claims). Finally, like reference numerals have been used to designate like features throughout the several views of the drawings.

FIG. 1A is an enlarged side view of a flat piece of a multi-layer fire safety tape in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; it shows a foam/intumescent material layered structure associated with the inventive multi-layer fire safety tape.

FIG. 1B is a further enlarged view of a portion of the multi-layer fire safety tape shown in FIG. 1A; it better shows various physical features (closed-cells or bubbles, for example) associated with one of the different distinct layers.

FIG. 2A is an enlarged side view of a flat piece of a multi-layer fire safety tape in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; it shows a foam/intumescent material/foam layered structure associated with the inventive multi-layer fire safety tape.

FIG. 2B is a further enlarged view of a portion of the multi-layer fire safety tape shown in FIG. 2A; it better shows various physical features (closed-cells or bubbles, for example) associated with two of the different distinct layers.

FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective view of a section of a generally U-shaped slotted header track having a multi-layer fire safety tape positioned on the upper sections of the downwardly extending flanges of the track in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of a dynamic head-of-wall assembly that includes, as part of the wall assembly, the generally U-shaped slotted header track having a multi-layer fire safety tape positioned thereon as shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols or markings have been used to identify like or corresponding elements, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention disclosed herein.

Accordingly, and as best shown in FIGS. 1A-B, the present invention in an embodiment is directed to a multi-layer fire safety tape 10 made of, in series (i.e., a “sandwich” of materials), (1) a flexible backing/release layer 12; (2) a flexible thermal barrier layer 14; (3) a first adhesive interface layer 16 between the backing/release layer 12 and the closed-cell polymer foam thermal barrier layer 14; (4) a flexible intumescent material layer 18; (5) a second adhesive interface layer 20 between the intumescent material layer 18 and the thermal barrier layer 14; and (6) a flexible outer protective layer 22. The thermal barrier layer 14 is preferably made of a thermoplastic material and takes the form of a flexible closed cell polymer foam.

The multi-layer fire safety tapes 10 of the present invention may take the form of a multi-layered flat strip (as shown in FIG. 1A-2B,), or may be in the form of a multi-layered roll; and, therefore, may be unwound and applied to or on appropriate building construction joints (not shown) in the field as needed, or may be factory pre-applied to or on tracks (or other framing member) intended for use in wall assemblies.

The flexible backing/release layer 12 is preferably a wax coated release paper (and thus may be easily separated from the flexible closed-cell polymer foam thermal barrier layer 14). In practice, the flexible backing/release layer 12 is manually removed from the multi-layer fire safety tape 10 just prior to the tape's use (application) in either the field (to seal linear construction joints) or at the steel track manufacturing factory (to appropriately position onto tracks and/or other framing members). By removing the flexible backing/release layer 12, the underlying first adhesive interface layer 16 is exposed thereby allowing contact and subsequent adhesion of the flexible closed-cell polymer foam thermal barrier layer 14 directly onto a targeted substrate (e.g., the downwardly extending flanges of a U-shaped track). The first adhesive interface layer 16 is preferably an acrylic based pressure sensitive adhesive; however, other adhesives such as polyurethane-based adhesives would also work and are within the scope of the present invention.

The closed-cell polymer foam thermal barrier layer 14 is preferably, but not necessarily, a foamed polyolefin (thermoplastic) having a plurality of internal and uniformly dispersed “closed cells” 14 a with diameters ranging from about 100 to about 1,000 microns. A closed-cell foam is one where distinct bubbles of gas are trapped individually within the plastic. The foamed polyolefin is preferably a high-density semi-crystalline polyethylene material that has been foamed to a density of about 0.35 g/cm³; it may, however, comprise other polymers such as, for example, polypropylene, polyurathane, and/or polystyrene. The closed-cell polymer foam thermal barrier layer 14 preferably has a thickness ranging from about 0.2 to about 2.5 millimeters, and more preferably about 1.6 millimeters.

The closed-cell polymer foam thermal barrier layer 14 is in some preferred embodiments a foamed thermoplastic material and takes the form of a strip. In these preferred embodiments, the foamed thermoplastic material strip substantially enhances the overall compressibility and durability of the multi-layer fire safety tape 10. For example, and in these preferred embodiments, the foamed thermoplastic thermal barrier layer 14 also provides for superior resistance to damage or tearing of the otherwise fragile intumescent material layer 18 (a significant problem with current standalone self-adhering intumescent tapes), and substantial reductions in sound transmissions (from one room to the next in a building) as compared to the intumescent material layer 18 standing alone.

The intumescent material layer 18 is composed of an expandable graphite and preferably has a density of about 1.40 g/cm³. The intumescent material layer 18 preferably has a thickness ranging from about 1.0 to about 2.5 millimeters, and more preferably about 1.8 millimeters. In all embodiments, the intumescent material layer 18 does not contact the targeted substrate (e.g., U-shaped header track); rather, the intumescent material layer 18 is always separated apart from, and not on (contacting), the targeted substrate. Importantly, the thermal barrier layer 14 shields and protects the heat-sensitive intumescent material layer 18 from any heat that may emanate away from the underlying substrate during a fire. Thus, the foam thermal barrier layer 14 acts a barrier to heat flow.

The outer protective layer 22 (that is on the intumescent material layer 18) is preferably a resilient and flexible plastic (polyvinyl) film. The outer protective layer 22 shields and protects the underlying intumescent layer from any abrasion (such as, for example, abrasion associated with the cycling of wallboard within a wall assembly). The outer protective layer 22, may, however, be a “skin layer” that is integral to the second closed-cell polymer foam layer. In other words, the outer protective layer 22 is an optional feature.

With regards to the sealing of linear expansion joints and without necessarily prescribing to any particular scientific theory, the multi-layer fire safety tapes 10 of the present invention are believed to work substantially better than traditional intumescent caulks, sprays and tapes because the closed cells 14 a (of the closed-cell polymer foam thermal barrier layer 14) act as tiny insulators that (collectively) slow/impede the flow of heat to the “heat-sensitive” intumescent material layer 18. In addition, it takes significant beat energy to absorb into and melt the thermoplastic thermal barrier layer 14 which further slows the flow of heat. Thus, the selection of the type of thermoplastic polymer and its degree of crystallinity, bubble size and density, and layer thickness all affect the rate of heat flow. Because the flow of heat to the intumescent material layer 18 is substantially slowed/impeded by the thermal barrier layer 14, it takes substantially longer for the intumescent material layer 18 to begin and finish its swell (expansion) cycle, which, in turn, lengthens the amount of time it takes for heat to be transmitted through the sealed joint system.

The multi-layer fire safety tapes 10 disclosed herein are particularly useful when applied to sheet metal tracks (and other framing members) used to construct wall assemblies in buildings because these composite structures and configurations of the present invention have been shown to pass UL's stringent fire tests. In these embodiments of the present invention, the flexible thermal barrier layer 14 is in physical contact with, and supported by, the track (and, thus, is considered to be “on” the track), whereas the flexible intumescent material layer 18 is positioned away from (i.e., is not “on”) the track. In this configuration, one of the functions of the thermal barrier layer 14 is to slow/impede the flow of heat from the metal header track to the intumescent material layer 18 during a fire, whereas the function of the intumescent material layer 18 is to expand and seal a head-of-wall construction joint or gap. Another function of the thermal barrier layer 14 is to reduce sound transmissions between adjacent rooms within a building. In this regard, it has been unexpectedly discovered the thermal barrier layer 14 (when in the form of a closed cell foamed thermoplastic) also substantially reduces sound transmission. It is believed the bi-layer construction of the inventive multi-layer fire safety tape 10 breaks up or otherwise disrupts the propagation of sound waves. Thus, and in still other further embodiments and as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the present invention is directed to header tracks 26 (generally U-shaped sheet metal header tracks, for example, as shown in FIG. 3) and other framing members (control joint backers and L-shaped members, for example—not shown) having the inventive multi-layer fire safety tape 10 applied thereto or thereon, as well as to fire rated wall assemblies that incorporate such components (as shown in FIG. 3). Such wall fire rated assemblies are more fire resistant and have work better at reducing sound transmissions.

While the present invention has been described in the context of the embodiments illustrated and described herein, the invention may be embodied in other specific ways or in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing descriptions, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sheet metal framing member in combination with a multi-layer fire safety tape configured for use in a fire rate wall assembly, the multi-layer fire safety tape comprising a flexible thermal barrier layer attached to a flexible intumescent material layer, and wherein the thermal barrier layer comprises a thermoplastic material that is on a surface of the sheet metal framing member, and wherein the thermal barrier layer is attached to the intumescent layer such that the thermal barrier layer is between the sheet metal framing member and the intumescent layer.
 2. The sheet metal framing member of claim 1 wherein the intumescent layer is on the thermal barrier layer.
 3. The sheet metal framing member of claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material is a foamed thermoplastic that contains a plurality of closed cells.
 4. The sheet metal framing member of claim 3 wherein the thermoplastic is a semi-crystalline polypropylene.
 5. The sheet metal framing member of claim 3 wherein the flexible thermal barrier layer has a thickness ranging from about 1.0 to about 2.0 millimeters.
 6. The sheet metal framing member of claim 5 wherein the flexible thermal barrier layer contains a plurality of internal cells with diameters ranging from about 100 to about 1,000 microns.
 7. The sheet metal framing member of claim 6 wherein the flexible intumescent material layer has a thickness ranging from about 1.0 to about 2.5 millimeters. 